Tina Abbott

5 Advantages to Buying a Home in Winter

The number of homes available for sale drops in the fall, with 10% fewer homes available in December than in the summer months, according to Time magazine.

However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to buy a home. There are actually several advantages to buying a home in winter.

Advantage #1—Winter sellers are very motivated to sell their homes.

Many are selling their homes because of surprise circumstances—such as a job switch, promotion, or new baby. That means that you may be able to negotiate a better deal, especially if you are working with an experienced realtor who understands the market.

Advantage #2—There’s less competition from other buyers.

Typically, there are fewer people shopping for houses in the winter, especially around the holidays (according to U.S. News & World Report). So once you find that perfect home, your offer will stand out in a crowd.

Advantage #3—You get to see the house at its worst.

It’s easy to fall in love with a house in summer, when flowers are in full bloom. But when you fall in love with a house in winter, you’ll love it even more during sunny weather.

Advantage #4—Prices are often lower in winter.

If the seller is very motivated, then you may find a great deal on a good home. A good realtor can help you find those deals, and take advantage of them.

Advantage #5—You’ll know how warm the house is in winter.

Winters in Kansas City can be cold. Winter provides a great opportunity to find out if the house is well-insulated and the heating system works properly.